Phrasal verb
be in on
Meanings
to know about and be included in a secret, plan, or shared understanding
to be participating in an activity or arrangement with other people
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Definition
“Be in on” means to know about a plan or secret and be included in it.
If you are in on something, you know what is happening behind the scenes. It often refers to being included in a plan, secret, or joke that not everyone knows about. It can also mean you are participating in an activity or arrangement with others.
Examples
- I was in on the surprise party, so I had to pretend nothing was happening.
- Are you in on the plan to swap seats before the meeting starts?
- He isn’t in on the joke, so he looks confused when everyone laughs.
- We were in on the decision from the beginning, and we helped set the timeline.
- They were in on the secret rehearsal, so they arrived early and stayed quiet.
Common mistake
Learners often say “be in” without “on,” but “be in on” is needed when you mean being included in a plan or secret.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.